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Environment Directorate Taxi Licensing Survey Results Wheelchair Users

Survey Results 2007/08 ------

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Taxi Licensing Wheelchair Users Survey Results: 2007/08

A total of 349 surveys were returned out of a possible 2329 which equates to a 15% return.

The results are as follows:

Q1. Where in Salford do you live?

Base 337 100.0%

Where in Salford do you live? (If unsure please include y...

7 Barton 2.1%

6 Boothstown & Ellenbrook 1.8%

31 Broughton 9.2%

7 Cadishead 2.1%

21 Claremont 6.2%

59 Eccles 17.5%

16 Irlam 4.7%

5 Irwell Riverside 1.5%

6 1.8%

11 Langworthy 3.3%

20 Little Hulton 5.9%

13 Ordsall 3.9%

15 Pendlebury 4.5%

32 Swinton North 9.5%

22 Swinton South 6.5%

17 Walkden North 5.0%

6 Walkden South 1.8%

15 Weaste & Seedley 4.5%

12 Winton 3.6%

16 Worsley 4.7%

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Q2. Are you a wheelchair user?

100% 314 93% 90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20% 24 7% 10%

0% Yes No

Q3. Is a black cab the only taxi suitable for your needs?

60% 162 52% 149 50% 48%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% Yes No

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Q4. Have you experienced any problems ordering a black cab?

80% 191 69% 69%

57%

46% 85 34% 31%

23%

11%

0% Yes No

Q6. Do you think that should make more black cabs available for hire by removing its policy of restricting the number of licenses it issues for taxis?

80% 167 72% 70%

60%

50%

40% 66 28% 30%

20%

10%

0% Yes No

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Taxi Licensing Wheelchair User Survey Results Comments 2007/08 Snap Q4. Have you experienced any problems ordering a black cab? Case If yes what were these? No. 1 Most days when phoned for a disabled taxi, it is unavailable or waiting time at least 2 - 4 hours. Saltax always say they have no taxis available! When I’m going to precinct with one of my carers if after phoning to order the taxi my partner takes me in the car there are between 20 & 30 taxis at the rank. Saltax will not let you pre-book a taxi. They offer to take you to where you’re going but 4 won’t let you pre-book a taxi back. If you phone for a black cab on a Sunday you cannot get one and when you phone any time for a 9 driver that takes the travel vouchers very few of them do so you wait a long time. 12 I cannot get up into a clack cab can only use them if fitted with a ramp. They often arrive late and I miss the beginning of meetings and other activities, on one occasion I 16 was not secured and the day centre forwarded a complaint to the company on my behalf. On school runs are unavailable, also when we took a trip to the the Black cab was not allowed to pick us up from the front of the building at the door it was pouring with rain and we had to go across the car park to get into it outside the orient exit. We were soaked. Taxis in the Trafford Centre had no taxis available or working for disabled. We had to call another company to 22 pick us up and wait till they arrived. 23 We order private hire Blackline who are very good. We can only get a black cab at certain times as from 2 o'clock they do the school run or so we are 24 told when we phone for one. 26 Only disabled cabs Black cabs will not come to Little Hulton my fiancé has electric wheelchair and finds it hard to get in 29 taxi I have early calls for Hospital and Doctor's appointments between 8.30 - 9.30 - school runs so I have to make my own way on my powered wheelchair, wet - cold, windy, not everyone’s cup of 32 tea. 36 Mostly use ring & ride 37 There isn’t always a cab available. 39 Do not usually use taxis 40 Don’t know any of black cab phone numbers. Child has disabilities and is 3yrs old. We have our own transport so the taxi service has never 42 been used. 43 I have never ordered a black cab I use local company's. 49 I only use Saltax taxis only and find very good service. Precise dates unknown, but the black cabs are not readily available from the firms operating in the Swinton are because they only have a limited number available that can carry wheelchairs and they are used to transport disabled children to special schools making it extremely difficult for adults wishing to reach railway stations before 10.30 am. Only Saltax have a fleet which has been 52 totally adapted to carry wheelchairs as far as I am aware. Not enough of them! That is why Gent has to go to his centres by SS bus, you never know if the 55 taxi will turn up. I have a private arrangement with one of the Salford registered black cabs, so have no problem. I 57 am unable to leave my wheelchair, so must use a black cab. 59 I don’t use black cabs 60 We do not use any taxis 63 During 8.30am to 10am and 2.30pm to 4pm its school contract hours. Problems with private hire companies who charge £15 - £20 per return journey from Monton to 65 Swinton to attend Red Cross day centres. I live in a housing scheme and I am disabled (lost my right leg four years ago) I very rarely use 66 taxis if we do go out at night we use ring and ride to go to concerts as a group. I have found the only wheelchair usable cab is from 'Swinton 1010' taxi firm but they only have one 68 and one insured driver for the vehicle. Couldn’t get one when I phoned for one. If I try to pre book one, they always say they can’t and I should phone for one in ten mins before I need it. Then most of the time I cannot get one so I miss my hospital appointment, as I cannot get to them. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 occasions of me 69 phoning before I get an answer. There should be more phone no's 72 /my husband tends to drive me to any functions.

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A requested wheelchair user, pre-booked black cab arrived, the driver had no metal ramps with him, he told my son he would lift me into his cab if my son would help, my son refused to do this, the driver got upset, refused to call his operator line and my son had to call the company to request another taxi cab with ramps to come to take me to my appointment. Needless to say I was late 73 arriving to my appointments. You can sometimes book a black cab but have had no success in asking to be picked up on return. You have to take a chance on getting home; I have a mobile no which a taxi driver gave me, that is 82 more satisfactory. Drivers who are unhelpful when faced with the extra work or saying their vehicles are not suitable 83 for wheelchair access, as well as bookings being refused due to 'too busy' or no cabs in area. 85 They are not always available. 86 No black cabs avail and when you do get one often the ramp is broken or not in the vehicle. May I point out that my wife cannot be transferred to a vehicle without a chain but it needn’t be a black cab, a van with a high roof and ramp at the back is acceptable she has used both. Finding a 89 taxi firm with a suitable vehicle when you want it is a problem. The only problem is the time waiting for a cab to be avail, not possible to book black cab in advance, have to phone when you need one so I find if I have for example Dr's appt I have to 90 phone an hour before appt, because of wait time. Waiting a long time for it or none available, one day waited 5 hours for one to go to Barton Brook 91 Nursing Home. Had my husband for a few hours had to get the bus. I phoned local taxi companies to enquire if they had a black cab type vehicle available. Most firms said they didn’t have these cabs. The ones who said yes booked the date and time I needed a cab (Hope Hospital appt) I phoned 2/3 days in advance and was told everything was in order but on the day the cab either didn’t arrive or came late. The promised return home cab also wasn’t available. This caused me a great deal of stress and it seems the cabs are in use each afternoon to transport 92 children from special education schools. I have found since moving to little Hulton that there are no black cabs operating in the area, the nearest I have found are Bolton/Eccles when trying to hire 1 have been told they will only do long journeys, I have felt very isolated since moving one time I had to pay £15 for a 5 min journey as it 93 came from Eccles, I feel disabled people don’t get a fair deal. I cannot get into a black cab because I cannot bend my neck as I have a fixture on the top of my spine. I am also quite tall. I can only get into the front passenger seat of a private taxi after 95 transferring from wheelchair, as long as it is only a normal car not a mini-bus. Regularly not available at certain time of each day due to prior bookings for school runs etc. The 98 same problem occurs with wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles. 100 Not applicable, when needed I use a private company. 101 Problem of being collected by taxi after being brought to a destination. 102 Never had any experience of Black cab 107 We have our own transport so it is not applicable. When 1 needed unavailable ring and ride facilities: notification not very good for booking if you can’t go you must ring and state why; a weeks notice is needed for visiting other districts on 108 weekends. 109 Some black cabs have no ramp. 111 Only use wheelchair occasionally 116 I can transfer from wheelchair to front seat in most cars, so I have never ordered a black cab. I am sorry that I don’t qualify to answer a lot of the questions as I have a wheelchair but I go where 118 I want with my husband in the car. 121 Not available at times, no offer to accommodate. 122 Can not always get one when I need one. Don’t know exact date but when phoning Saltax sometimes they say they have no taxis in the area 123 therefore we can’t have one, if this was a normal private hire firm this wouldn’t have been the case. We enquired about taxis that take the tickets in place of money that Salford has in operation, but 124 only one taxi firm would take them, so we had to drop that idea. It is particularly difficult getting a taxi to come out to pick me up as they are often unavailable, this can result in waiting long periods of time and cancelling trips out. Even when a cab is booked well 129 in advance one isn’t available at the time needed. Have vehicle converted for the use of disabled people unable to walk and have never had need of 131 taxis. Sorry cannot comment about black cabs never having been in one, I am a wheelchair user, support carer takes me out in it 2 hours a week, previous using a walking stick my carer and I was 134 taken to the local shops on the ring & ride bus, or a mini cab, both satisfactory. 135 Never used one.

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Mantax taxi booked to Piccadilly railway station to catch train to London, booked to arrive at my house at 9.15 - I said I had to catch a train, phoned every ten mins - kept being told it way on way held up in traffic etc, then told to get another taxi as they didn’t have one! Managed to get one in 138 time to catch train, neighbours said it turned up later! Have had difficulty returning from home to care home, but husband now has a vehicle with 141 wheelchair access. 142 Don’t usually order a black cab. 144 Have not tried to use a taxi. You cannot pre-book a black cab like Saltax and I myself and my disabled daughter has missed 145 going out, and Dr's appointments so many times I think the taxi service is a joke. Some drivers are not so friendly it comes over in their body language, this has happened on a number of occasions which I personally on behalf of my daughter who is the wheelchair user, to be ridiculous if they don’t want disabled people using their cabs, perhaps other people would be glad 147 to be of service. 155 Doesn’t use Black Cabs use Private taxis - very suitable. 158 Wouldn’t know where or who to ring to order a Black Cab. Black Cab drivers are very foul mouthed and swear at the ones on Salford Precinct and aggressive 159 to people. Cannot get a taxi at around 3pm weekdays because we are told taxis are on school runs (black 160 cabs) 161 Late unhelpful drivers, Q3 A Black Cab is more comfortable and more room. 164 Time waiting for availability (average 1 hour) Depending on time of day. 165 Have never tried to order Black Cab in this area. 167 It is very rare in this area. Drivers don’t have or want to use ramps, very undignified methods by drivers of putting me in and 168 out of cab, patchy service late at night, And holiday times from grandsons house in Pendlebury. 169 Do not order them as they are too dear; use Ring and Ride sometimes or private hire. 172 Whenever I have phoned for a Black Cab they have either got none in the area or none at all. There is never a black cab avail for order, there is no room for anybody else in the black cab it is a big pram, double the size of a wheelchair, Private Taxis don’t have the space in the boot for it or a proper seating equip. I have to order a minibus in return this means it is double the fair, there is no 175 help from the drivers, child cannot be left on his own he is completely dependant ** 178 I have only ever used a Black Cab once - years ago. Up to this date I have not had cause to use a Black Cab; however I can see a time when I will have to, I am in a motorised wheelchair so I need to get straight into the taxi, so it would have to be wheelchair accessible. I have to date not made enquiries as to how easy I would be able to obtain 179 one. Husband only able to use black cabs and they are not easily identifiable when ordering by 183 telephone. 186 Availability when needed, especially at short notice 190 Always use private hire The black cabs I used to use wait around Eccles bus station, I don’t use them anymore as I don’t feel safe getting in them, my wheelchair goes forwards and backwards - they make me panic. I 196 now use a wheelchair accessible mini bus and have no problems anymore Mrs Tissington is unable to complete the survey form as she is 90years old and suffers from 200 dementia problems Switch board operators asking, when will you be returning home? As there policy is 'if we take you we bring you back', which is not always convenient for service users, Saltax is the only firm of 201 black cabs in this area. I have tried to pre-book black cabs with Saltax told not possible fri-sun, whenever I was able to book a cab I was told there was no guarantee of getting home, therefore there was no point in making the journey at all. Saltax were not the only company who said they could not guarantee a cab for the return journey. Although other companies said they would try there best, a wheelchair 202 user ca 204 Don’t use black cabs I have been told to apply for a bus pass, but want to know about vehicles that take electric 207 wheelchairs I do not hire black cabs as the cab I use is Black Line Swan and as they all come and I use them 210 for years and cab ok 212 I don’t use any kind of taxi. Too disabled Sometimes when they come, they don’t have a ramp to push my wheelchair in. Also some taxi drivers are unhelpful, they just sit in their cab with no offer of help and they forget to stop at red 213 lights which scare me so much.

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I have not been using taxis, as we have used our own car, but at the moment we haven’t got a car, 214 but haven’t used a taxi. I use a 3 wheel walking aid more than a wheelchair As soon as you explain you have a wheelchair suddenly there is no suitable cabs available or the waiting time is too long, often no help is given as it seems to be 'not part if the job' I have found a 217 motability vehicle a cheaper and more efficient mode of transport When phoned for one, excuses are given that none is available, or there is a long wait, especially by one firm, I do have a personal contact number for a friend who has one and when he can he helps. Also I have spoken to our members re: this issue on black cabs. Also we should be asking the private sector to have some of the transit or MPV vehicles that they use today be adapted to 218 take who 220 We have a car up to now Sometimes there are none available and if I manage to obtain a black cab on an outward journey, I cannot order a timed return journey an I cannot order a hire car because electric wheelchairs do no 222 fold Since being in a wheelchair I have not used the taxi service, therefore I do not feel I can comment 225 on the taxi service in Salford 226 I don’t order black cabs 227 Unavailability due to school runs or other contracts. They are reluctant to take short journeys I don’t use taxis and PHVs and I have an electric buggy - I should think getting along the pavements is so much more hazardous than getting a taxi, this is due to the fact that where I live, 228 they have not been improved for wheelchair users I live in a nursing him and black cabs are very reluctant to attend even for visits to hospitals if they 231 do come the drivers are very unhelpful, will not push wheelchairs up the ramps etc. 232 None available at night 233 The ramps are not always steady and sometimes they don’t have any 234 Some drivers refuse to take me, or say not available when I ring for a black cab 236 Find them hard to get in and out of 240 In the past no problem, but have not had the need to order one in recent years due to disability 241 Unavailable due to school runs. Reluctant to take fare for short journeys 245 Don’t get taxis have a car No availability due to other contracts i.e. 'school runs'. Refused short distances i.e. to hospital for 248 OPD appointments 249 Unable to collect due to school runs. Not wanting a short journey Been told could not pre book as didn’t know if one with wheelchair access be available. Also cant get cabs at certain times of the day as drivers have school transport contracts from Salford 250 education 253 I live in Salford precinct 254 Never use a black cab 256 I don’t see many cabs here 258 Don’t use at the moment, my wife drives me They don’t always come out of the local area. I take my aunt from Swinton Hall Nursing home and can only use a black cab as she cannot get out of her wheelchair, is there any other suitable cabs, 262 also cheaper rates. I live in a nursing home and black cabs don’t come if they do come the drivers are very rude, they 267 will not push wheelchairs up the ramp, they pull faces when asked to help. In the past we have had problems ordering black cabs - luckily I can transfer when using my wheelchair, very rarely need to use a cab as have friends/family who take me wherever I need to 271 go We need a black cab that has metal fixed ramp as my husband has a micro scooter. We have found it difficult to find black cabs which enable us to get out and about, we live on station road, Swinton, we had to get a minibus from our house to Victoria at the cost of £25, and we 275 got a black cab home at the cost of £10. a day out cost £35 Taxi companies do not always provide them locally, black cabs will not do short distance travel, do not always have ramps or appropriate safety seat belts or the know how to operate them, to put a 276 wheelchair safely in place 277 My husband still drives me about so I am lucky I don’t need a taxi I recently took a black cab to the Trafford centre with my daughter, when we were ready to come 278 home we had to an hour and half for one to come available. 282 Don’t use taxis I am housebound, use ambulances 284 No ramps or prefer an easier fare 286 Due to the height of my wheelchair no black cab / private hire vehicle is suitable. Do not use taxis 297 From Hope Hospital, waited half an hour, cannot use a bus, only other is my son’s car.

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If you get a taxi cab outside , there’s a problem but sometimes if you phone from home or from the hospital you struggle to get a cab, it seems to me that they please themselves. Private 298 hire cabs are easier to get from anywhere. 299 Trying to get a black cab to your home is difficult, they are usually not available 302 Not always available or a long wait My wife who cannot read, write or speak and is paralysed down her right side over 70 years old and I take her everywhere in my car with wheel chair in boot. We would have no difficulty using a black cab but not a private hire, we would have great difficulty paying and could not be able to use 305 more than once a week. Although some taxi firms have taxis with wheelchair access, they are not always available when 307 required i.e. weekends during the day and evenings Sometimes when I have been going to the doctors or social events you cannot pre book a black 309 cab and have to use a normal car which I find difficult to access 313 Didn’t advertise for wheelchair users Do not use black cabs, I use 793 1010 a safer for females company, but I can use any taxi 315 company 317 Sorry but before seeing this we were unaware what taxi we could use for a wheelchair user 318 None available when I phone, especially after 9/10pm 319 None available at times required due to school run 321 To the airport with wheelchair and family luggage 322 Thank you for the above information, so far I have not used any taxis for transportation to hospital 326 Usually only use private hire 327 Not advertised enough 328 Have not used a taxi since my stroke 331 To book at key periods is very difficult We have a contract with a converted black cabs otherwise we would not be able to access 333 transport 334 Yes difficult to arrange in Swinton to anywhere Cannot get black cab school pick up and drop off times. 8am - 10am, 3pm - 4.30pm which limits 335 me for my appointments and days out They will not come to the front door to pick up I can only get one on a return trip home (i.e. Bolton 337 centre) (Hope hospital) then it seems too much trouble to expect help from the driver Struggle to get one after 3pm, which sometime means I can not attend appointment or restricts my 338 days out. 339 No black cabs in my area After tea many problems come up either no taxis working at all or you are told on school runs. You cant pre book over the phone you have to phone when you want it so you can’t plan anything in advance, I personally think that Black cabs are anywhere near acceptable the only place you can get a black cab is either at Eccles/Salford precinct event hen you have to queue and get no 341 priority.

Snap Q5. We are reviewing the locations and provisions of taxi ranks across the city as many of Case existing ranks are in places where are no longer used. In order to make taxis more No. accessible to the public can you please identify where you think taxi ranks should be? 1 Swinton, Pendlebury, Clifton Swinton precinct, new taxi ranks should be made available through out Salford and a number of taxis are licensed to a number of ranks to take them away from Salford precinct and spread them 4 out around Salford. 8 Monton 9 On super market car parks and hospital grounds. 12 Only use taxi to and from airport. 13 Eccles 15 Ours are fine, Salford precinct near Tesco handy for all. 16 Near all main shopping areas, supermarkets etc. 18 Where they are now on Shopping precincts, Outside railway stations and Bus stations. 21 Road, Eccles 26 Chorley Road, Swinton 31 Outside Bingo, Baths and Leisure Centres 32 That's ok after 9.30am 40 No ranks any where in Walkden (or Black Cabs) I think there should be a rank at each shopping precinct i.e. Walkden, Swinton, Salford and 43 Manchester 45 Hope and , Salford Precinct

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46 The taxi rank provision at Hope Hosp is very much required, but hardly ever appears to be used. 50 Within a shopping centre 51 Shopping precinct at Swinton I think indentations should be made across the wide paved area in front of the banks on Chorley Rd, Swinton, opposite the Civic Centre, so that taxis carrying disabled passengers could stop 52 closest to the establishment they are visiting. 53 Town Centre outside civic centre, local supermarkets 54 Racecourse Car Park, Lower Kersal Social Club Kersal 55 Hospitals, Shopping Centres, Clinics 58 Salford Precinct 59 I don’t know 60 Monton 61 Near supermarkets, near hospitals and health centres. 62 Never use taxi ranks 63 Civic Centre in Swinton, Salford Precinct 64 In Walkden precinct, Elsmere Centre Walkden My daughter organises a taxi when we need to go for appointments e.g. Hospital, Dentist, and 68 Opticians. They pick us up and take us from A to B and back '1010' are very good and helpful. At designated ranks where the public can easily access the taxi, e.g. shopping centres, maybe at 73 hospitals or large medical clinics would help the elderly. 75 Salford Quays Shopping centres in general, additional ranks at places such as the shopping city instead of just 83 one. 85 Hope Hospital 86 Ellesmere Centre Walkden 88 In Cadishead they are mainly private hire. 90 Not aware where taxi ranks are now. 91 In Peel Green somewhere. 92 Close to the entrance of Hope Hospital 93 Walkden or somewhere nearer Little Hulton 95 I don’t use taxi ranks so am unable to answer question. 99 Salford Quays, RMCH 102 Not having ever used one. I would not give my opinion on Black cab. 104 Existing taxi rank fine. 110 Supermarkets, precincts, hospitals 111 Daughter takes me about in her car so don’t use black cabs at all. 112 Salford Precinct, Eccles Precinct, Sainsbury’s Regent Road 113 Wheelchair people carriers must be in every town. 114 All main public places. 115 Any suitable busy places. 120 Fine here at Morrisons 122 Peel Green 123 The one at Salford precinct is good, maybe one in Swinton town centre now. 124 I think we are luck in Salford as there are plenty of taxi ranks. 125 Access near the shops not near bus stops. 126 Liverpool Street Langworthy. 132 Netto - private cars should have this. 135 Bolton Road Clifton, Manchester Road Pendlebury. Salford City Shopping Centre, Near to Salford Markets as the nearest rank is outside the Post 136 Office & Tesco. 145 Outside hospitals. 147 I personally always phone for a cab. 148 Train Stations, Supermarkets, Retail Parks 156 Town Centres and Shopping Centres. 158 In the area I live it would be difficult to pin point a suitable place for a taxi rank. A taxi rank at the market end of Salford Precinct would be good, the one opposite is never used by taxis, the taxi rank at the Tesco end can be held up for traffic coming off the roundabout, especially 161 when taxis park on the roundabout causing an *** 162 Sainsbury’s at Salford 163 Tesco as is now. 164 At Shopping outlets etc. 167 Albert Square, St Ann's Square

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168 Ordsall, Salford Quays, Salford Station, Gerald Road near University Residences. 169 More in Eccles. 170 In Singleton Rd lay-by near corner of Bury Old Road. 172 In Eccles where they are now is a suitable place. It’s not the fact of where they are placed as you can order one if you know the no, it’s the access to 175 get in them. 177 Although I do not use Black Cabs I think ranks at Salford Shopping Centre and Eccles are suitable. 185 Shopping Centres, Local Hospital. 186 Have always gone home in pre-booked both ways 187 Higher Broughton and Cheetham Hill 191 I don’t know as I very rarely use taxi services 194 Cab ok 195 Irlams o'th height near shopping giant 198 Shopping centre ellesmere 201 Maybe a black cab rank would be useful around Salford Royal Hospital 202 Shopping centres, train stations, bus stations etc 204 Near to shops/supermarkets 206 Bus stations - Rail stations shopping centres 208 In busy areas where you shop and you have not got a car 213 Area at supermarkets Any area where there is frequent pedestrian traffic, around shopping areas, theatres etc. I would imagine having any other locations like bus stops a parking and waiting problem and not cost 217 efficient to the driver. Within all major shopping retail developments i.e.: Tesco, Morrisons, West One, more on the main road placed at strategic intervals. We should put this in our policies on new developments where it 218 involves retail services that taxi rank plus a feeder rank who 220 We have a car up to now As explained in Q4, I need to be able to guarantee both outward and inward journeys at the same 222 time I live in the Monton area of Eccles, I think a taxi rank should be accessible on canal bank neat Dr 225 surgery or Monton green 226 Shopping centres 229 Shopping centres and busy public areas 230 Taxi ordered mainly from home 232 Around shopping centres and town centres 233 Its ok in Salford shopping centre but I think you should be able to flag one down 234 Monton green roundabout 237 I don’t use taxis very often so I wouldn’t know 238 Swinton centre 239 Swinton centre 242 Don’t know 245 In places that wheelchairs can get into easy 246 No views 247 Little Hulton precinct, Walkden 250 One in Irlam 251 Only order by phone 252 I don’t use Radio Cars 253 There should be a proper taxi rank in Salford 256 Ordsall precinct off Phoebe Street and Robert Hall Street 261 Near shopping precincts Surgeries, main shopping areas, doctors, dentists etc hairdressers, garden centres, libraries, 262 nursing homes and reduced rate for the elderly 263 Close to shopping centres, superstores and sights of interests 265 Close to bus stations and supermarkets near doctors surgeries and hospitals 266 Eccles black cabs are ok, close to Morrisons store 268 Shopping centres, train stations etc 271 Swinton, Irlam o'th height 272 Shopping centres, Hospitals, Health centre, Doctors 273 Manchester Road, Clifton 274 Outside Tesco store at Walkden North as we don’t have black cabs in Walkden 275 In Swinton I would suggest somewhere near the civic centre across from the shopping centre 276 In the city and towns (precincts) Swinton

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279 Near Swinton shopping centre 284 Near bus stations 285 Only use taxis in dire straits 287 Close to shops, hospitals, doctor’s surgeries, libraries, supermarkets, out of city areas. 288 Shopping centres/ precincts etc 292 Close to shops, close to hospitals Consideration needs to be given regarding access for wheelchairs users - such as height of kerbs 295 etc 296 Don’t use a taxi other than my daughter for school, transport 297 On Brookhouse estate 299 The height & Swinton 302 Hospitals, shops, banks, doctors, dentists Do not use any form of taxi - use own transport. My daughter uses a private hire vehicle on her 303 return home from school - no concerns I can not really comment I am unable to use them. I should think the black cab drivers of many 305 years should know its there living you don’t earn money on a vacant lot 307 In well lit areas with ramps for wheelchair access near to shopping facilities The rank at Salford precinct is unsuitable, wheelchair users would prefer to shelter if its raining 308 whilst waiting for a cab 309 Local areas 312 Where are they? 314 As far as I am aware black cabs are not based anywhere in Walkden 317 Outside shopping centres, supermarkets. Should also be able to phone and book 318 Just depends 325 Outside shopping precincts and health centres 326 Cannot say on this matter 327 Nearer to supermarket or social activity places 331 In Swinton 333 Outside main shopping areas 334 One in each town centre 335 Trafford centre 337 Walkden centre, Little Hulton precinct 338 Trafford centre Firstly if there are black cabs lying idle I cannot comprehend why a black cab is not available, I believe in looking into that as well as pre-booking enabling people like myself to make proper plans 341 to go out knowing they can get you home in the day and night 343 Near Shops and bus stops I am a wheelchair users, when me and my daughter do the shopping on Salford precinct we have 345 to wait for one, so it would be nicer if they were closer to home Many of us have family - at cemeteries, Taxi rank near or in these places would be excellent, No 349 transport, to or from or even near these places.

Snap Q6. We are reviewing the locations and provisions of taxi ranks across the city as many of Case existing ranks are in places where are no longer used. In order to make taxis more No. accessible to the public can you please identify where you think taxi ranks should be? Reason: 1 If the restriction does not work, maybe other measures will, to help get a disabled taxi They are too choosy about the work they take if there were more taxis they'd accept more jobs away from Salford precinct. They do a lot of contract work which reduces the number of taxis in 4 school terms. 8 Black cabs are safer There are very few cabs in the Eccles area and find yourself waiting a long time, especially at 9 school times when a lot of drivers do the school run. 12 Not concerned. 13 More disabled people about. 14 A lot of black cabs do school runs; it’s very hard to get a black cab in the morning. 15 Seems to be plenty about with the no you have. 16 More cabs could mean more punctuality. 18 Perfectly happy with the service as things are. 21 There are plenty of taxis 22 Because we often have to wait longer when we ring to hire a taxi. 32 There could be the odd one not on school runs. 37 Black cabs should not be restricted, as private hire cars are not

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I use local companies and if there where rules in place for these drivers they would not get away 43 with what they do, think you should look into local taxi company ranks. 46 Not enough black cabs. Because even though there are more private hire vehicles on the roads, it is sometimes very hard 50 to get one, where as a black cab would be more accessible if available. 51 There are enough black cabs available in the area. See Q4 I feel it is important for all wheelchair users to have the black cab service avail any time of 52 day. 53 Better standard of vehicle than private hire, feel safer. 54 More disabled people about. 55 There are not enough taxis with wheelchair ramp access, or hoist access. 58 Not a lot of private hire works of a night, plus black cabs are more secure. 61 Black cabs are under better control than private hire taxis. 62 I use a private black cab so cannot comment. 63 See Q4 64 Because it is accessible for people to get one when they need one. 65 Whether Black Cabs or Private Hire - they should be properly regulated to protect the public. 68 There are not enough wheelchair friendly cabs. So taxis are more readily avail for hire, especially when phoning for one and especially at school 69 times as a lot of taxis do school runs so it is even more difficult to get a taxi at those times. 70 One rank is not enough. A black taxi is large enough to accommodate someone with disabilities, chaperones, large 73 amounts of shopping & unusual purchased items. 75 They should also be part of private hire fleets. Unrestricted could mean standards drop, better to limit and enforce the disability standards upon a 83 certain number of cabs. 85 They are not always available 86 Because it is not easy to access the use of a black cab. During the afternoon all avail cabs are busy on the school run. I am aware I can go places and 90 because between 2.30 to 4.30pm there's not a cab to be found. 91 Should be more done for disabled we are don’t have cars. There always seems to be wheelchair bound patients waiting in hosp area, they seem to take over 92 any cab delivering a wheelchair patient. Because you could soon lose track of vehicles the more you have or other people could be 97 phonies and pretend they are genuine council taxi drivers. 98 Obvious shortage of wheelchair accessible black cabs. 99 More black cabs and less minicab - they drive poorly! 101 During certain hours of the day, it can be difficult to hire a black cab. I.e. during school hours. 106 Because private hire are cheaper. 110 Accessibility for all to reduce waiting times. 112 Some are needed at Sainsbury's regent road 113 So they may get different cabs that hold wheelchairs with people in them. As a wheelchair user, it is much better not having to get out of the wheelchair and black cabs offer 114 that service. 116 There are plenty of private hire taxi firms I prefer to use them. 124 We have plenty of black cabs in and around Salford Black cabs are bigger and easier for a disabled customer, but that doesn’t mean they need to be 125 more expensive. 126 I have no problem getting a black cab. 129 Because there seems to be an acute shortage. Black cabs its £3 before you start off, I think private taxis are pulled all the time this is not fair on them, Black cabs get away with a lot just because the police use there cabs, and the staff off them 132 are disgusting *** 135 Disabled people with no means would need them. 138 Was not aware there was a limit on the number of licences. 147 Sometimes we can wait up to half hour sometimes longer. 148 Just think that more black cabs needed. 151 Long waits for cabs for appointments 156 For punctuality on travel. Cannot get a taxi at around 3pm weekdays because we are told taxis are on school runs (black 160 cabs) 161 This may create competition with the other rip off taxis on the road. 162 Waiting times would not be so long

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Not enough availability to cover Salford totally, I believe only two ranks i.e. - Eccles and Salford 164 Precinct. 167 Not normal taxis but Black Cabs there should be more. No but drivers should have to work more anti social hours, too many on ranks during day not 168 enough at night. 170 Not enough ranks If there was less Black Cabs what is a wheelchair user going to use to go home, that's if they can 172 get one at all. Should be more accessible to pick up from a specific place, you are then only certain areas; it 175 would make things so much easier. 176 Not used 177 Might provide extra jobs. 182 I don’t use black cabs 185 In case of high demand, e.g. bad weather on any day. Population is getting older - with the advent of different mobility chairs etc. More people are able to 186 access the outside and lead a more independent and rewarding life 187 Good service if more cabs 191 Again, I don’t know 194 If my son travel he has to have an escort with him 196 Doesn’t apply to me anymore 197 Too few at times No sure about policies if shortage of black cabs is fault of Salford city council then yes there should be more available, I feel that drivers need more training regards moving, handling, clamping in 202 particular 204 Don’t use black cabs 206 Traffic problems, congested roads 208 Because they are easy choice of transport I feel that the standards currently maintained by the cabs would slip further, the threat of loosing a 217 licence and therefore a livelihood maintains these standards. This would eliminate the shortlist and also it might help in booking one, for many years the SDM 218 has been saying this 220 We have a car up to now 227 Availability 229 To provide more black cabs which have easier access into them. 232 Not enough in Eccles at night 233 It would be easier to get one 234 Because it wont make them more disabled friendly 241 More availability 242 Not seen any 246 Current system is adequate 247 More taxis, less waiting time 248 More availability 249 More availability Surely the more taxis available the easier it would be to pre book. Not all of them would have 250 contracts with Salford education, surely? which would make more availability or the public to book 253 Not enough in Salford Black cabs, if available, easier for access even without wheelchair, for person with severe walking 261 problems. If there were more suitable black cabs, it would benefit all ages, young mums and dads with 262 pushchairs and wheelchair users. 266 Seems plenty in Eccles Because I know people who are wheelchair users and can’t transfer find it hard to get taxis at the 271 time they want. 274 Too expensive to use The need for those with easy access for disability of every type buggy access, the buses provide 275 so why not cab companies 279 Standards will drop as cut price competition gets hold 284 More accessible taxi availability 285 Can only get one when you phone for private hire 287 So that they will be available in more areas. Because when its cold and wet, more people use taxis for short journeys rather than waiting for a 293 bus and this leaves people like me waiting for a long time 295 Not sure unaware of present availability

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299 It would make it more accessible 302 Because they are more accessible than private hire vehicles It is easier for older people to get into than private cars, also better for single young people, there 305 is more safety, and A black cab is identifiable. 306 More people using taxis due to public transport being so poor Black cabs are more expensive than private hire companies and when you are on a restricted 307 budget this can prove to be too much 312 Cannot use other transport only my car, my husband is not always able to get me in the car. 314 Though I appreciate there may be demand during the week 316 Black cabs have more room - passenger and luggage wise 317 It needs to be policed for safety reasons i.e. public and vehicles 318 Some cabs I believe do not carry radios 319 Easy access at peak times 327 More secure/ feels safer being higher up most taxis/private hire are too low for the elderly 333 Not unless you were prepared to licence converted black cabs 335 The availability would be much greater for myself and many other disabled people

Snap Q7. If you have any other comments to make about taxi services in Salford please enter Case them below: No. More information is needed to find where to get a disabled taxi from. A special telephone guide is a 1 good idea. 3 Never had any problems with ordering a taxi over the phone Reasons they use for not sending a taxi is none available, none in your area, doing a change over, 4 busy doing contract work, can’t get in touch with anybody. 7 I do not use the Black car service only a private hire cab from my house. 10 There is plenty who provide higher cabs which are obliging. 14 The taxi service in Salford is very good. 17 We only use private hire cabs - quite satisfactory I find Saltax cabs and drivers very courteous and helpful. I am unable to use public transport so I 18 use Saltax regularly. ps. why isn’t Pendleton on the reverse? 21 I have found New Lyle great with my daughter and her wheel chair, always help. Gent does not use black cab he uses private hire from Blackline who are very good with him and know not to drop him off anywhere but his home as he has amnesia and doesn’t know where he 23 lives. Lynch taxi are disabled taxi they have only 1 that takes wheelchairs and you can never book it and 26 that is why we would like black cabs. 28 Just moved in area. Well a bus is also a form of taxi. Can’t get on one for disable powered wheelchair users, for the 32 amount of prams, blocking disabled area. 40 I Don’t have a problem with private hire cars; never have to wait long for one. To name a few problems, The taxis all have their own individual pricing depending on driver, some of the taxis are filthy, and some of the taxis that are local are known to proposition the females 43 using the taxis. There appears to be a huge lack of enforcement action by Salford City Council Officers. This is in respect of both HC & BC vehicles. Many of the vehicles are filthy and many in a very poor and run 46 down condition. *Please do something about it* Majority of PH cabs will not come into Broughton because of vandals & jobs which I understand is 50 not their fault, but black cabs will, so I think maybe we should have more black cabs. 53 Private Hire - I have experienced excessive speeds on many occasions. When ordering these taxis you have to give a day or two notice if you have a hospital, dental etc appointment. Then if you are lucky a long wait to get home which makes it a long procedure. More 55 cabs are the answer with wheelchair access. 58 Private hire down lower broughton scarse on weekends. 59 I use Mainline taxis or Swan and they are both very helpful to me. Standards vary greatly depending on the driver Saltax drivers especially can vary, one or two are ok, Many more do not offer much help and anchoring chair etc. Some wheelchairs (my sons included) are too long to fit front to back can only be accommodated sideways. Independent black 63 cabs are more willing to help and are friendlier. 64 We have 5050 Radio cabs, Metro Swinton cabs come to Walkden Precinct for people. Many taxi drivers do not help me when I use the taxi sometimes I use my walking frame, and they sit in the driving seat and leave me to cope only for my daughter being with me I don’t know how I 68 would manage.

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I think that if it is a disabled/wheelchair user getting a taxi that the taxi fairs should be cheaper than it is for a normal taxi fair. Also I only know 1 no for a black cab and there should be more as 69 sometimes I have to ring 2 or 3 before get an answer. I use another type of taxi service now, which is an adapted van with an electrical platform; I am 73 very pleased with their service & feel very safe as I am locked into place in my wheelchair. 83 It is time that Salford did a mystery shopper. You are unable to access black cabs at present when you are wheelchair bound black cabs are 86 easier to access so why are they not available in this area. 87 If I need a taxi I get a private hire with wheelchair access. 89 No complaints about the normal private hire. 90 There is only one black cab firm in Salford. 91 And getting on the bus is dreadful and you cannot get on for all the school children. Two of the cabs I did manage to get were old and banged alarmingly and I doubt they were 92 roadworthy. Use Saltax and their cabs are pretty good. I use one taxi firm and they ring me when they are outside my house. I am very satisfied at the 95 present time. Private hire are freely available for all able-bodied and reasonable in price in Eccles area, but more need to be provided for wheelchair users. I have never been able to get a black cab (wheelchair 98 accessible) when I have wanted one, not even to pre-book on the phone. 99 Black cab drivers don’t always use ramps. They tip the wheelchair backwards. I happen to use Lynch Taxi service as they seem to be the only service to take my cheaper fare 102 tickets from Manchester Transport and I find them quite good. I am a wheelchair user with a XXXL chair. I find it a problem to get in to a Black cab as I feel your 105 cabs don’t cater for my needs. 106 Taxi drivers should not make in their cabs. 110 Charged extra to carry wheelchairs!! I am a double amputee age 86; I find Salford taxi & Eccles taxi reliable, honest and very helpful. I 112 don’t act my age and go out and about 7 days a week. 113 We need chair carrying taxis so people can ride sat in their chair in the cab. Just that black cabs/wheelchair accessible vehicles should be easier to access from home in this 123 day and age. Sometimes hiring ordinary taxis if you have a wheelchair the driver doesn’t want to help you. I have limited mobility but could not go in a taxi alone with my chair because I cannot pick the chair up to get in it or out of the taxis, some drivers do, especially ones that have got to know me using the 125 local taxis company. When I phone for a black cab I always tell them it’s for a wheelchair user so they always make sure 126 they've got a ramp with them. I have only just been issued with a wheelchair, and consequently have not yet had the occasion to require a taxi, so therefore I am unable to offer an opinion, if you could request details in about 12 133 months time, I maybe able to reply fully. 139 Not a taxi user and now resident in a care home. Some drivers drink heavily - then go out early next morning to drive, presumably the previous 144 nights alcohol is still in their bloodstream. 145 The taxis available in Winton are rubbish. When I get a driver who doesn’t mind getting out of the cab to push my daughter inside the cab it 147 makes my day, Some drivers are a joy, I really appreciate their help. Thank you. My father has a wheelchair, but I am his & my mum's carer and have a car. So therefore they don't use black cabs. What I can say is when we are on Salford Precinct there are loads of Black cabs & 152 the drivers appear very helpful when dealing with wheelchair users. Although I have only had one bad experience with a taxi driver, I drive my own car thru mobility, now I would never recommend anyone uses a taxi, the drivers are not helpful and they are too 161 expensive, always late and unreliable. As I am on Dialysis 3 times a week & husband is in a Care Home, I would not have the time to 162 amend any meetings. I have not experienced any problems, but would have to specify a large boot to carry a wheelchair, 165 I use taxis rarely. Limit number of cabs allowed to park nr Salford Precinct. They cause obstruction and overflow 168 outside subway and round the roundabout. 169 Too dear, they charge more than private hire. I have had one bad experience with a Black Cab all the others when I have used them have been helpful. What I don’t know is the price for a Black Cab is it the same for an abled body only myself 172 feel they add just that bit more.

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There should be a certain no of taxis designed for disabled people, ramps that pull down, safety belts or security put in place to protect a wheelchair user in case of an accident. A guide for drivers to read & understand the needs & help a disabled person would need. The council/govt go on about equal opportunity for the disabled. In every effort I have done for my son to make this happen, there is no such thing as everything is virtually impossible. The council/govt doing nothing 175 to make equal opportunities or I wouldn’t keep hitting a brick wall. We have always used the same small Private Hire taxi firm for the past 10 yrs, we have had excellent service from them, both in turning up and my wife has never had to put the wheelchair in 177 the boot of the car herself. I might add that this taxi firm is one of the cheapest in the area. Black Cab drivers always provide excellent service, last year between May - November 2007, local post office was closed, so was using Black Cab to collect pension weekly. Driver always waited so 185 was able to return home safely. I regret that I can not comment as my wife has a mobility vehicle and scooter, she can only leave her home if I accompany her. My personal use of taxis is fair to say, the drivers are willing and polite, I have had no bad experiences, I do not know if a taxi rank is situate at Salford Quays but 188 presume it would be a good location I am fortunate in Winton to have an excellent taxi service who have improved greatly by getting 3 wheelchair accessible mini buses - I never have a problem getting one of these buses any time of 196 day and night 197 The cost, a lot of money fro a short supply trip Taxi drivers in Salford are usually 90% helpful to wheelchair users, I have not found any fault with the drivers in the past, I have found that some are not equipped for power wheel chair users, I am 201 one It is difficult to hire a black cab between the hours of 8.30 - 9.30 and 3pm - 4pm as many drivers have contracts for school runs and day centres. It is also more expensive to hire wheelchair 202 accessible cabs than it is for able bodied people 204 No problems with private hire taxis, would like to see better disabled facilities for rail/bus travel 207 I was using PACT till they let me down, I now have my own transport 209 Private hire firm are good, will take me alone in a wheelchair; I am 90 years of age. swan 210 All come on time and I deal with them for years, both my son and I will I would like to see more controls over private hire vehicles whose ideas of access to services 217 seems rather patchy to say the least Most drivers are decent blokes, but again some of them don’t like dropping the ramp when needed also the restraining traps that should be used at all times. It all boils down to time and money not customer satisfaction, all drivers and firms should have disability awareness training as part of 218 receiving their plate, this goes for the private sector too. 222 Black cabs for hire will drive past you if they are aware of the wheelchair It is a struggle to obtain a taxi mainly in the evenings and weekends, more taxis may assist this 229 problem. 231 More private hire firms should have wheelchair friendly cabs When it’s an account job the drivers are Fantastic and have nor problems, when its not the drivers 233 can be horrible. Because of the way I have been treated in the past, I have now engaged the services of a private hire minibus which has been adapted for wheelchair use. The company is very amenable and 234 obliging and have not let me down at all. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Do not find the drivers helpful I have difficulties getting in and out of them with a walking stick. So I 236 stick with the local taxi hire company. 242 normally get help from the family 245 When we used normal taxis before we had to ask them would a wheelchair fit in it. Not enough providers accept disabled vouchers - not enough information to users. Otherwise 246 happy with the service I receive from local cabs 250 SCC should definately remove the policy of restricting licences of black cabs 251 All drivers seem most helpful I have had difficulty filling in this form in because I am house bound and when I do manage to get 255 out my daughter takes me by car, sorry I cant be more help. 256 Taxis run pretty regular in Ordsall 258 Don’t use them at present, my wife drives them Waiting time at Walkden, outside Tesco can be long especially for people with standing/walking 261 difficulties, for such a long time (up to 1hr) Just more of them and reassurance that you are not getting in a bogus cab, it is very scary, as you 262 can never be sure what’s legitimate. 266 Lyle taxis have a good system, i.e. they phone for you to come out of the house 267 More private hire firms should have disabled access cabs

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269 I use private hire drivers they are more helpful - mainline Feel taxi firms should not be able to say they are coming at a specific time and then not turn up till 271 much later, often after you ring again once or twice 274 Don’t use black cabs only use radio cars and they are very good I would also make sure that all seats are working plus the restrainers belts which are to use for the safety of wheelchairs/scooters or buggies, otherwise you are rolling about like a loose cannon. 275 This service is done in Plymouth, each time we travel whilst there. 276 They are more expensive, they should be the same price as local cab companies more available. I think there should be anchor points in black cabs to make wheelchairs more secure, on the journey in Q4 the driver went so fast round corners that my daughter had to hold onto my chair to 278 stop me being flung about. 295 Rarely use taxi services (black cabs) - since becoming a wheelchair user have not used them We have not needed to use taxis during the last 12 months as we have only been out with our daughter in her car, maybe we will be able to get out more often, then a taxi or ring or ride would 300 be required. As I have said I don’t use them with our life style and cost prohibits it but with people moving to other areas (we lived in a great community in Langworthy destroyed by the council) 1 to 2 305 thousand gone, so you need to find them and put your taxi there. 306 Drivers very helpful and its door to door service 308 I think all black cabs should be able to carry wheelchair users Taxi services need to publicise more so that wheelchair users are aware they can actually book a 317 suitable taxi for there needs. 318 Good when you can get one My wife and I are both disabled and cannot use taxis because, no facilities of wheel chair safety, taxi drivers do not assist in helping us from home to taxi, there should be 2 drivers for above 322 assistance I have not been able to travel due to a bad fall, with 3 fractures to my right leg as well as being disabled, would like to travel and use a taxi, never used one, thank you for considering the 324 disabled 325 I find existing taxi drivers useful People need to be aware of the ability or of the obligation of the driver with regards to how they 327 can help, should they help? Or is it down to the individual driver. 328 No comments as yet Sorry I can not be of more assistance but my husband has only just been issued with an invalid 330 chair and has not yet started using it. 334 My carers just tend to ring a regular taxi driver We have a huge problem with Saltax every time I have requested a cab they never have anything 335 in the area and tell us to try someone else, I wish it was that simple I am very sorry I have not had to use taxis at the moment as my daughter drives me when I have 336 to go out I find it disgusting that as a disabled person I have to pay sometimes double fare because we need a bigger car, those of us who can’t use other private hire companies pay more than a walker. I phoned H&L taxi the journey for my sister came to £3-£4 the same journey cost me £7, the reason given I needed an estate car which was classed as a mini bus, all I did was order a taxi to go and 341 see my mum, mine also took twice as long as my sisters to pick me up. I think that the black cabs in Salford are doing a great job but some of the drivers have a bad attitude towards people in wheelchairs, and the drivers charge too much for wheelchair users and 345 the public it’s a rip off. Some drivers are not willing to take us; they make any excuse, like going off duty, just had another 349 call or just ignore us!

H:\Business Consultancy Unit\Consultation\REGULATORY SERVICES\Licensing Section (Reg Services)\Taxi 2007 Consultation\Taxi Licensing Survey Results Wheel Chair Users 2007 - 2008.doc